Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned about the negative consequences of closing medical institutes for girls in Afghanistan. 

In a statement, the organization stressed that medical needs in Afghanistan are immense, and therefore, more medical personnel must be trained.

The statement from Médecins Sans Frontières reads: “The medical needs in Afghanistan are huge, and more women Afghan medical staff need to be trained to address them. For this to happen, women need to have access to education. The education restrictions put in place in 2024, 2022 and 2021 considerably reduce the availability of future female medical staff.”

“In this situation, closing the doors of institutes for our sisters will worsen the disaster. Our request from the leaders of the Islamic Emirate is to reconsider this decision if it has been finalized, and if it hasn’t been finalized, to cancel it,” said Zakiullah Mohammadi, a university professor.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway stated that in response to the recent restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, the country will limit its relations with Afghanistan.

The Norwegian Ministry's statement reads: “Norway has always urged the Taliban to respect the human rights of the Afghan people, particularly regarding the recent restrictions imposed on women and girls. Therefore, Norway is limiting its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.”

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also said that Norway will not send an ambassador to Afghanistan.

"We have informed the Taliban that we will not accept a new Afghan ambassador. We need relations with Afghanistan, and our commitment to Afghanistan remains; however, we will limit diplomatic relations," said Eide.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded to the caretaker government’s decision, stating that access to education is a right for both men and women.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "Our position on the rights of women and girls, especially for their inherent right to education, is clear and consistent. We believe that every man and woman has the inherent right to education in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.”

"There should be a large gathering, a summit in Kandahar or Kabul, to find a suitable and permanent solution for engaging with the world and ensuring that we can keep the doors of knowledge open and prepare a secure environment," said Jannat Fahim Chakari, a political analyst.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also expressed concern over this issue, calling on the caretaker government to reconsider its decision.

Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: 
“Afghanistan’s de facto authorities hold the effective power and responsibility for the welfare and safety of the entire population.”

"It is essential that we address issues in our internal politics that are necessary, demanded by the people, and essential for the survival of governments," said Hewad Zazai, a political analyst.

Although the caretaker government has not provided an official explanation on the matter, some female students from medical institutes previously told TOLOnews that this decision had been communicated to them verbally, and they were given ten days to complete their exams.